Today low cost airline Monarch Scheduled inaugurated three new routes from Manchester to Barcelona, Gibraltar and Tenerife. This represents an increase of over 200 per cent to its winter programme, firmly positioning itself as the leading low cost airline operating from Manchester.

The new timetable will offer a daily service to Barcelona and Tenerife and thrice-weekly flights to Gibraltar. Monarch Scheduled continues to operate daily or twice daily services from Manchester to its existing destinations of Alicante, Faro and Malaga, as well as Palma de Mallorca, which was successfully introduced in May this year.

The new routes will operate on a 180-seater A320 aircraft. Fares start from £51* return (to Barcelona)**.

Jonathan Crick, commercial director said; “Since launching in Manchester in 2000, the Monarch Scheduled programme has grown rapidly. We believe that many consumers want a genuine low-cost alternative to the ‘no-frills’ airlines. Our high level of repeat business demonstrates the success of our low-cost with-frills approach.”

”We have chosen to launch these routes because travel agents in the region told us there is a strong demand for them and our own research substantiated these claims. There were previously no direct scheduled flights from the north to Gibraltar and Tenerife, and Barcelona is a route that is currently under-served from Manchester. The new destinations have already proved to be a success with sales already in line with established routes.”

Monarch Scheduled continues to operate its timetable of flights to Spain and Portugal from London Luton and London Gatwick.

Monarch Scheduled announced it is to introduce a new, innovative in-flight menu, which is available on all flights from 2004. Instead of offering the traditional set meal included in the price, passengers will now have the option of buying a delicious hot meal, freshly baked snack, light salad, imaginatively filled sandwich or full English breakfast - at any time of day.